Entries are now open for the prestigious Race Unity Speech Awards 2025, inviting senior students from schools across New Zealand to share their perspectives on improving race relations in the country.

The competition, which has been a key part of New Zealand’s Race Relations Day celebrations since its inception by the Bahá‘í community in 2001, will take place in Tauranga on March 7 at St George’s Anglican Church at 6pm.

This year’s theme, Te Moana Nui O Te Kanorau – The Great Ocean of Diversity, encourages participants to explore the strength that comes from unity in diversity.

“The metaphor of a ‘Great Ocean of Diversity’ beautifully reflects our collective journey – one where each individual, regardless of background, contributes to the strength and resilience of our communities,” said Premila D’Mello, president of the Tauranga Regional Multicultural Council and a past co-convenor of Tauranga Speech & Drama section at the Tauranga Performing Arts competitions.

The Race Unity Speech Awards support the vision of a harmonious and inclusive society, as echoed in the words of Anita Parkinson, secretary of the local Bahá‘í assembly of Western Bay, who quoted, “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” This powerful statement emphasises shared humanity, transcending cultural and national boundaries.

The competition is open to students in Years 11-13, and aims to foster dialogue, cultural exchange and mutual respect. Multicultural Tauranga is actively engaging with schools throughout the Western Bay of Plenty to encourage more entries this year.

“We have witnessed firsthand the power of dialogue, cultural exchange, and mutual respect in bridging divides. Initiatives like this speech competition nurture the next generation of changemakers, encouraging them to champion unity, equity, and racial harmony,” said D’Mello, who has been a strong advocate for the competition.

The Race Unity Speech Awards also serve as a stepping stone for talented students. Ansh Dhot, a Year 13 student from Tauranga Girls’ College, was recognised as a national semifinalist in the 2024 competition, winning the Tohu Manaakitanga Award for her efforts in promoting empathy and unity. Dhot, who also received the Minola Grant Scholarship for academic excellence and significant contributions to her school community and served as a head prefect in 2024, is a testament to the long-term impact of such opportunities.

Kimberly D’Mello, an alumna of Tauranga’s Aquinas College, gained national recognition by winning the Race Unity Speech Awards in 2015. She went on to pursue a career in medicine and is currently affiliated with the Department of Surgery at the University of Auckland. Her research includes publications on rare medical conditions, such as small cell carcinoma of the larynx. Dr D’Mello’s success reflects the power of platforms like the Race Unity Speech Awards to foster leadership and civic mindedness in young people, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment, diversity and community spirit. It’s a great example of how youth can be catalysts for change.

The Race Unity Speech Awards provide a platform for young voices to address key issues of race, inclusion and community cohesion. Participants are encouraged to deliver speeches that explore the importance of unity in Aotearoa, and winners often gain opportunities to present their ideas to government officials, educators and community leaders.

Multicultural Tauranga urges Year 11-13 students to take advantage of this platform to share their perspectives by delivering a prepared speech addressing key issues related to race and community cohesion and contribute to shaping a more inclusive future.

The deadline for entries is March 7. For more information contact Premila D’Mello on 027 777 6208.